Reduction of the libido index was the major disadvantage that we observed with zinc supplementation. Substances that affect libido usually act centrally and may reduce desire by causing sedation or hormonal disturbances.[17] The role of elevated levels of PRL in serum as an inhibitor of sexual drive and gonadal function is well established.[18] This reduction of sex drive may occur through the modification of activity of dopaminergic neurons in the CNS that are regarded as controlling sexual motivation and function.[19] Our study demonstrated a significant increase of serum PRL level (2.9 to 7.22 ng/dl) within two weeks of supplementation of zinc (5 mg/day). This is a possible explanation for the reduced libido with increasing doses of zinc observed in this study.

Overall, studies have been inconclusive about the aphrodisiac benefits of taking yohimbine supplements. However, most have found it works better than placebos. (7) According to a report published in the Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, a recent analysis of seven trials concluded that between 34–75 percent of men involved in studies experienced favorable results when taking between 5–10 milligrams. (8)
Most studies related to male infertility show a clear concise relationship between zinc and ed. During a study some young men were given a diet which included very little amounts of zinc and thus they developed a zinc deficiency. When testosterone levels were measured after 20 weeks of low-zinc diet it was found that the level of the hormone had drastically reduced. The study also found that in elderly men, with an increase in the uptake of zinc, testosterone levels nearly doubled.
Taking one of these tablets will not automatically produce an erection. Sexual stimulation is needed first to cause the release of nitric oxide from your penile nerves. These medications amplify that signal, allowing some men to function normally. Oral erectile dysfunction medications are not aphrodisiacs, will not cause excitement and are not needed in men who get normal erections.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is irreplaceable if you wish to increase life expectancy. Vitamin B5 has a positive impact on the nervous system and intestinal motility. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5 that has a powerful anabolic effect, enhances the synthesis of steroid hormones, and takes part in the synthesis of coenzyme A. In addition, calcium pantothenate helps release energy from foods. So, to a large extent, it improves your body’s endurance and stamina, as well as increases human tolerance to different loads.
Weak erection is one of the most embarrassing problems in this world because i was always shy to meet new partners due to the fact that i already know that i cannot perform at all and even when i did i was so weak. I could only last 45 seconds and this this made me to ask myself many a times if i am a man, four of my girlfriends left me due to this problem. In my search for a cure and a solution i told an old friend all i have been facing and he told me about Dr. MACK how he helped him save his marriage using his very effective ED medicine which restored back his erection. I contacted him and he sent me the medicine and that is one of the best decision i have ever made in my entire life. I think this will help someone out there if you have any ED related problem do not hesitate to contact [email protected] com i know he can help you.
The RigiScan™ portable home monitor recorded nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing. The monitor's quantitative analysis software quantitates various parameters of tumescence and rigidity, which includes the area under the curve over time slept, reported as tumescence activity units and rigidity activity units. The reproducibility and accuracy of this technique have been reported.28 Baseline normal values were used as previously reported,29 Rigidity had to be at least 60% at the base and 50% at the tip and maintained for at least 10 min. At least half of the episodes had to meet these criteria, with a minimum of three or four episodes per night. Tumescence had to achieve a height of 3 cm at the base and 2 cm at the tip.
Supplementation of 5 mg of zinc/day for two weeks led to a prolongation of ejaculatory latency; 711.6 sec. (SEM 85.47) vs. 489.50 sec. (SEM 67.66), P < 0.05 and an increase in number of penile thrusting; 52.80 (SEM 11.28) vs. 26.50 (SEM 6.17), P < 0.05, compared to controls. The same group had elevated prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) levels compared to controls at the end of treatment period; PRL- 7.22 ng/dl (SEM 3.68) vs. 2.90 ng/dl (SEM 0.34) and T- 8.21 ng/ml (SEM 6.09) vs. 2.39 ng/ml (SEM 1.79), P < 0.05. In contrast, reduction of libido was evident in the same group, but this effect was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, partner preference index was positive and 5 mg zinc supplementation did not exert a significant adverse effect on the muscle strength and co-ordination. The subset of rats supplemented with 1 mg/day did not show a difference from the control group while supplementation with 10 mg/day led to a reduction of the libido index, number of mounts and intromissions.
Though higher doses of zinc reduce libido, supplementation with a medium dose (5 mg/day) has some beneficial effect on the sexual competence of adult male rats. The major significant effects of this dose of zinc are prolongation of ejaculatory latency without disturbing sexual arousability, motivation, penile erection and sex vigor. Also, the partner preference index of the 5 mg/day group was positive and comparable to the controls. A positive partner preference index is indicative of unchanged sexual interest of males.[16] These results confirmed that libido and sexual interest are not affected by zinc supplementation with a 5 mg/day dose. However, mild reduction in percentage of intromission was observed in this group and it is postulated that this may be situational rather than an effect of supplemented zinc. This is based on our observation where mild rejection by the females at the initial phase of the behavior led some males to refrain from sexual activity.
While the rationale behind why it would work is airtight, the research on arginine’s actual effect on erectile dysfunction is slim, points out Charles Walker, M.D., assistant professor of urology and cofounder of the Cardiovascular and Sexual Health clinic at Yale University. But given its solid safety profile, minimal side effects, and potential benefit on heart disease, it’s worth a try, he adds, especially when taken in conjunction with other herbs on this list, which studies have shown can be more effective.
The number of animals ejaculating within 15 minutes was significantly reduced in 5 mg zinc treated group (one out of eight). However, all intromitted rats ejaculated between 20-30 minutes when observation was continued. Ejaculatory latency was significantly high in this group compared to controls; 711.60 Sec (SEM 85.47) vs. 489.50 Sec (SEM 67.66), P < 0.05. Similarly, they showed a significantly higher frequency of penile thrusting compared to controls; 26.50 (SEM 6.17) vs. 52.80 (SEM 11.28), P < 0.05 [Table 1].

Men, aged 40–80 y, were recruited from new consultations seen for erectile dysfunction at the Lahey Clinic Center for Sexual Function. Patients were screened by history and physical examination and by evaluation of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity with the RigiScan™ (Timm Medical Technologies, Inc., Minneapolis, USA). Candidates completed a sexual questionnaire and had morning blood tests for luteinizing hormone (LH), free testosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and androstenedione. Inclusion criteria included normal initial serum testosterone and prolactin levels and the presence of an organic cause of erectile dysfunction manifested by abnormal nocturnal tumescence and rigidity testing with the RigiScan™ monitor. Active smokers and men with concurrent major psychiatric problems were excluded. No other treatment for erectile dysfunction was permitted during the study. Yohimbine hydrochloride (supplied by Palisades Pharmaceuticals, Palisades, NJ, USA) was started at a dose of 5.4 mg three times a day (tid) for 4 weeks, after which the sex questionnaire was administered again and blood tests, nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing were repeated. The dose of yohimbine then was increased to 10.8 mg tid for 4 additional weeks followed by a third administration of the sex questionnaire and final measurements of hormone levels and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitoring.

Most human studies completed thus-far examine the impact of oral yohimbine consumption on erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. A meta-analysis of seven randomized, placebo-controlled trials found that yohimbine is significantly more effective in treating ED compared to placebo. [11] These findings did not compare yohimbine to prescription medications like Viagra®, which are designed to treat ED.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been proposed as a new non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by problems with blood vessels. Shock wave therapy machines are now available in some medical practices in Australia. Although there is some evidence that it may help a proportion of men with erectile dysfunction, more research is needed before clear recommendations on its use can be made.
Pelvic floor PT is a proven and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. A study in 2006 involved 146 men with mean age of 42 with pelvic pain; 92% of these men had sexual dysfunction. Treatment consisted of trigger point release and relaxation training, which led to improvement in symptoms by 77-87% – it’s notable that kegels were not part of this study.
Penile implants - are generally used if physical damage (like an accident) makes the anatomical parts needed for an erection not work. These are inserted by surgery and can provide a permanent treatment choice if others fail to work. The implants can be semi-rigid or inflatable. They can be pretty expensive and are not usually available on the NHS.
Green vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts and brown rice are among the best sources of dietary magnesium. Most other foods don’t contain enough of the mineral to contribute to daily recommended levels, which is why many people choose to take a magnesium supplement or a daily multivitamin that contains magnesium. If you’re concerned about your overall magnesium level, particularly as it relates to erectile function, discuss supplement options and dietary changes with your doctor.
The lack of strong scientific proof that vitamin supplementation can improve erectile function doesn’t stop companies from selling vitamins, herbal supplements, and other products with the promise that they will do the job. ED is often treatable with prescription medications or medical procedures, so be careful not to get taken by a manufacturer’s empty promises.
Although not proven, it is likely that erectile dysfunction can be prevented by good general health, paying particular attention to body weight, exercise, and cigarette smoking. For example, heart disease and diabetes are problems that can cause erectile dysfunction, and both are preventable through lifestyle changes such as sensible eating and regular exercise. Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may prevent or delay erectile dysfunction, or stop the erectile dysfunction from getting more serious.
Besides that, dyslipidemia (and hypercholesterolemia in particular), remain undertreated in many patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. High triglycerides, a contributor to cardiovascular dysfunction by many but not all studies, are somewhat treatable with fibrates, yet there are significant limitations for their use. Elevated fasting triglyceride levels have been shown to be a strong risk factor for ischemic heart disease, independent of other known risk factors for atherosclerosis.
These medications don’t work for everyone but they are easy to use and work for around 60% of people who try them. They work by making it easier to get an erection by reducing the effect of (inhibiting) the chemical PDE-5. This chemical is used in the body to make sure there isn’t too much blood in the penis during an erection, but if you have erectile dysfunction then this chemical ends up over-compensating.
Data from the Florida Sexual History Questionnaire collected at each time period (baseline, 5.4 mg tid and 10.8 mg tid) are presented in Table 6. Three patients (two responders and one nonresponder) did not complete the entire questionnaire for each study period and were excluded from the analyses. Thus, data in the table and statistical analyses are based on the responses of seven responders and eight nonresponders.
The positive response in our patients was enhanced with the higher dose of yohimbine, a phenomenon noted previously.20,21 We agree that several weeks of therapy are needed before clinical effects are seen,21,22 and that some responders may be able to take yohimbine only on demand before sexual activity.39 Yohimbine is effective in a subset of men with organic erectile dysfunction, especially nonsmokers, and it deserves a place in our therapeutic armamentarium. When yohimbine is ineffective alone, it may be useful in combination with other treatment modalities, as has been shown with naloxone39 or trazodone.40
What it’ll do for you: “Yohimbe dilates the blood vessels and can lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Patrick M. Fratellone, an integrated physician with a practice in Manhattan. “So experts figured, if it can do that, it must give you an erection and treat erectile dysfunction.” Some proponents say that yohimbe extracts are powerful antioxidants that can prevent heart attacks, act as a stimulant and an anti-depressant, and an aid to weight loss. Here, a closer look at the key benefits:
Yohimbe is an herbal remedy that comes from the bark of an African tree, Pausinystalia yohimbe. Before Viagra, drugs containing yohimbine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark extract, were used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). However, levels of yohimbine in yohimbe bark extract vary considerably and are often very low. Yohimbe bark extract, by itself, never has been shown to work as effectively as drugs containing yohimbine hydrochloride. What’s more, yohimbe can have serious side effects including paralysis, fatigue, stomach disorders, even death. I don’t recommend it, and harvesting of its bark is driving the yohimbe species to extinction.
We have presented objective evidence that yohimbine has a positive effect in men with organic erectile dysfunction. This is contrary to the blanket statement of the American Urological Association in their clinical guidelines for erectile dysfunction, which states: ‘Based on the data to date, yohimbine does not appear to be effective for erectile dysfunction and, thus, it should not be recommended as treatment for the standard patient.’17 Our data strongly suggest that yohimbine treatment should be revisited. Our study was observational with dose-escalation just to see if there was any rationale to expect any effect in men with organic erectile dysfunction, especially in men who do not have the risk factor of tobacco abuse. The next step would be a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using yohimbine in smokers vs non-smokers to verify the current observation. We believe that our data justify such a trial. Yohimbine will never be a first-line drug for erectile dysfunction, but may be useful in subsets of men with mild disease or few risk factors. Yohimbine might also be useful in combination therapy with other treatment modalities such as sildenafil and intraurethral alprostadil, when they do not produce adequate effects alone, as has already been shown with naloxone39 or trazedone.40
How it works: Magnesium makes it harder for your testosterone to bind onto proteins and allows for more of it to remain “free” in your bloodstream – which is exactly how you want it to be for a higher sex drive. Higher levels of free testosterone makes for more desire. Magnesium also combats anxiety and prevents depressive feelings, helping you enjoy yourself more.
In conceiving the potential solutions to issues around erectile dysfunction, it’s really helpful to understand clearly how an erection is achieved and completed. To achieve an erection, there needs to be some form of stimulation, either from touch or some sort of audiovisual stimuli. Once the stimulation occurs, chemical messengers are released and blood starts to fill into the penis. In terms of the musculature, the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles need to be relaxed so blood can fill the area completely. Then the bulbospongiosus needs to contract to keep the blood in the penis. The erection ‘completes’ with the rhythmic contraction of the bulbospongiosus muscle.

A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that a large percentage of men with ED also have low levels of vitamin D. If you’re experiencing ED, you may want to have your level of vitamin D checked. Other symptoms of a low vitamin D level may be too subtle to notice. However, if you have serious vitamin D deficiency, you may have bone pain or muscle weakness. Vitamin D levels can be checked with a simple blood test and for most people corrected with a supplement.

Kegel exercises are very effective, simple and affordable methods in enhancing the strength of your muscles. These muscles are the ones that are involved in your sexual function. If you are unsure of the information that you read online, the best option is to talk with your doctor about your condition in order to avail of the best treatment methods for you.
Niacin is another class of lipid-lowering agents, about which research dates back at least 55 years.2 Not only does niacin lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C, the “bad” cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides, it increases HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C, the “good” cholesterol) by inhibition of lipolysis in adipose tissue, which eventually leads to improvement in all lipid parameters. Furthermore, there are studies suggesting that niacin can improve the clinical outcome in cardiovascular disease, and that it may lead to the regression of atherosclerotic plaque. Dyslipidemia is closely related to erectile dysfunction (ED) and evidence has shown that statins can improve erectile function. However, the potential role of that other lipid-lowering agent, niacin, hasn’t been known until now.
Sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil increase the amount of nitric oxide in your body. Your body contains nitric oxide naturally, which is a gas that relaxes blood vessels. Medications to treat erectile dysfunction relax blood vessels in a man’s penis to help obtain and maintain an erection. Some medications that treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease also relax your blood vessels. If you take niacin while you also take medications to treat erectile dysfunction, your blood pressure could drop drastically. You could faint or develop other health problems.
The art of acupuncture has become the new treatment for everything from back pain, depression, and even ED. Impotence could be more of a state of mind, and acupuncture may help. Through this alternative therapy, fine needles are placed in various parts of the body to relieve pain or stress. Although there are many mixed studies for acupuncture and ED, many tend to confirm positive results. A 1999 study found acupuncture improved the quality of erection and even restored sexual activity in 39 percent of participants.
Some men say certain alternative medicines taken by mouth can help them get and maintain an erection. However, not all “natural” medicines or supplements are safe. Combinations of certain prescribed and alternative medicines could cause major health problems. To help ensure coordinated and safe care, discuss your use of alternative medicines, including use of vitamin and mineral supplements, with a health care professional. Also, never order a medicine online without talking with your doctor.

In addition to lowering low-density and total cholesterol along with triglycerides, increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has become one of the principal objectives for treating hyperlipidemia. Considerable evidence has shown that even a minor improvement in HDL-C levels may significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. For example, it has been found that an increase of 1 mg/dl in HDL-C levels results in a parallel reduction in coronary artery disease risk by 2% in men and 3% in women. Moreover, HDL-C helps to transport oxidized cholesterol from peripheral tissues where it instigates atherosclerosis to the liver for excretion. Furthermore, HDL-C has potential anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and anti-oxidant effects.

There was a higher incidence of adverse events in those taking niacin. However, most patients could tolerate it at the maximum dosage (1,500 mg/day). With this in mind, niacin could be an alternative choice of treatment for patients with ED. Despite the success of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), such as sildenafil, only around 60–70% of patients have a satisfactory response to this class of drugs. And there are adverse effects such as headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. Hence, there is a need to develop other therapeutic agents for those patients who do not respond satisfactorily to PDE5 inhibitors or are contraindicated for those such as sildenafil.
The development of successful sexual behavior involves not only important neuroendocrine and local genital changes that begin at puberty, but also psychological and social influences that occur both before and after puberty.[7,8] Sexual behavior in males is regulated mainly by internal patterns of hormones; i.e. T, progesterone and PRL. These hormones are modulated by the male interactions with the social environment.[9]
It is common for a healthy older man to still want sex and be able to have sex within appropriate limitations. Understanding what is normal in older age is important to avoid frustration and concern. Older men and their partners often value being able to continue sexual activity and there is no age where the man is ‘too old’ to think about getting help with his erection or other sexual problems.
Energy-boosting goji berries have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to help increase energy and enhance the release of hormones.”Goji is also beneficial for increasing blood flow, which helps to oxygenate all of the cells and tissues of the body, including the sex organs,” says celebrity nutritionist Dr. Lindsey Duncan. “Which increases libido—that’s why they call goji the ‘Viagra of China.'”
Males consuming yohimbine HCL for its pro-erectile benefits should take 5.4mg to 6mg three times per day but don't expect for the results to be noticeable until after about two to weeks of consistent dosing. [4] Not all males will experience this benefit so if you do not notice a change after four weeks of consistent dosing then consider stopping supplementation altogether.
Acupuncture may help treat psychological ED, though studies are limited and inconclusive. You’ll likely need several appointments before you begin to notice any improvements. When choosing an acupuncturist, look for a certified practitioner who uses disposable needles and follows U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for needle disposal and sterilization.Hypovitaminosis may occur due to adherence to a monotonous diet that implies refined grain products’ eating; excessive consumption of carbohydrates and proteins; chronic alcoholism; abuse of beer; sufficient and long-term consumption of raw fish (carp and herring); heavy physical work and nervous tension; exposure to heat or cold; chronic bowel disorders; diabetes; and thyrotoxicosis. The symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency include decreased appetite, nausea, constipation, headaches, irritability, memory loss, peripheral polyneuritis, tachycardia, labored breathing, precordialgia, and muscle weakness.
In a 2005 study, three months of twice-daily sets of kegel exercises combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and limiting alcohol, worked far better than just giving the participants advice. “Wearing tight pants will affect impotence along with some other medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease,” which can also affect a man’s degree of impotence, Dr. Jennifer Burns, specializing in family practice with an emphasis on gastrointestinal health at the BienEtre Center, told Medical Daily.
The substance that gives hot peppers their kick can also give you some kick in the pants: Studies have associated the natural chemical with increased testosterone levels. In animal studies, capsaicin has also shown to increase the size of sex organs, while simultaneously decreasing belly fat. A 2014 study from France also found that men who ate more spicy food had higher testosterone levels than those who ate less. You can consume capsaicin via peppers, chili powder or a cayenne supplement.
Exercise lowers blood pressure – a consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage your arteries and cause them to harden, limiting the flow of blood to the penis and leading to cardiovascular problems. Exercise works to reduce the force required to pump blood around your body, protecting your artery linings as a result. You should aim to have a blood pressure less than 140/90mm Hg.
Carlo Adrian Cañon is a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus in the Philippines. He has written numerous articles on a variety of topics on men’s health, fitness, and product reviews. He is contributing to consumerhealthdigest.com for men sexual health category. You can follow him on: LinkedIn.

These medications don’t work for everyone but they are easy to use and work for around 60% of people who try them. They work by making it easier to get an erection by reducing the effect of (inhibiting) the chemical PDE-5. This chemical is used in the body to make sure there isn’t too much blood in the penis during an erection, but if you have erectile dysfunction then this chemical ends up over-compensating.

In the New World, maize was traditionally treated with lime, an alkali now shown to make niacin nutritionally available and thereby reducing the chance of developing pellagra.1 However, when in the 18th century corn cultivation was adopted worldwide, treatment with lime was not accepted because the benefit was not understood. Thus in the New World, often heavily dependent on corn, cultivators rarely suffered from pellagra, which became common only when corn became a staple that was eaten without the traditional treatment. Of interest, if maize is not so processed, it is a poor source of tryptophan as well as niacin.
Vitamins and minerals are used in systems all over the body. Everywhere from your cardiovascular to your nervous system. It’s a lot to understand. So to help dispel some of the myths and outlandish claims, we’ll take a look at how five common vitamins and nutrients affect one very specific aspect of men’s health—erections. Turns out, vitamins can do more than just ward off the common cold.